Recreation

308-630-6235

2525 Circle Drive, Scottsbluff, NE

The City of Scottsbluff Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for over 280 acres of land and 23 parks across Scottsbluff. Parks include the 179-acre Riverside Park (home to the 47-site Riverside Campground), the Westmoor Park and Pool, and the Monument Valley Pathway. Facilities include ten tennis courts, 11 lighted baseball and softball fields, 12 picnic shelters, numerous playgrounds, and an ice rink. Youth recreation programs and lessons are also offered.

308-436-5096

1025 P St., Gering, NE

The Gering Parks and Recreation Department consists of ten parks, four picnic shelters, a golf course, an RV park, and much more.

The extensive trails in Nebraska’s Panhandle vary greatly in length, grading, surface, and accessibility. Parks in the system include Scotts Bluff National Monument, Toadstool Geologic Park, National Forest Trails, Fort Robinson State Park, Charon State Park, Ash Hollow State Historical Park, and more.

308-436-3777

210615 Hwy 71, Gering, NE

Home to an extraordinary nature center, a shooting sports complex, and 1,100 acres of beautiful terrain, Wildcat Hills offers 3.5 miles of nature trails perfect for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. Picnic facilities and primitive campsites are available.

308-630-6235

Running alongside the North Platte River and Scotts Bluff National Monument, walking and biking trails connect the cities of Scottsbluff, Gering, and Terrytown — our “twin cities” area. A total of 26 miles is planned, and over 13 miles are completed.

308-783-2911

290140 The Point Road, Minatare, NE

Lake Minatare is one of the most popular and scenic recreation areas in Western Nebraska’s Panhandle and is home to the state’s only lighthouse. At 2,158 acres, Lake Minatare SRA is the Panhandle’s largest body of water, attracting thousands of anglers, campers, water skiers, and swimmers each year. It’s surrounded by notable historic and recreational sites such as North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

308-630-6236

1600 S. Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE

This area offers fishing, camping, picnic areas, and playgrounds in a natural setting. The five-acre pond is stocked with rainbow trout (no boating).

308-632-7212

Terrytown, NE

Terry’s Lake is located just south of the North Platte River in Terrytown, NE,
which lies between the communities of Scottsbluff and Gering — our “twin cities” area. This 7-acre fishing area stocked with trout is open year-round (no boating).

308-436-3777

Bridgeport Lake State Recreation Rd, Bridgeport, NE

This lakefront recreation area is on the west side of the City of Bridgeport, sitting along the banks of the North Platte River near the historic Oregon Trail. It’s a relatively small but popular spot for power-boating and non-motorized water sports, camping, and picnicking with shady campsites and sandy beaches. It encompasses about 326 acres, including 78 acres of water in five sandpit lakes. The park’s various amenities include overnight camping, a swimming beach, day-use shelters and areas, and fishing and hunting opportunities.

800-658-4390

I-80 Exit 126, 8 miles northeast of Ogallala, NE

Lake McConaughy, located approximately 120 miles southeast of Scottsbluff, is the
perfect place for windsurfing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and a host of other water sports. With 100 miles of Caribbean-like white beaches, “Big Mac,” as it is known to the locals, is 22 miles long and four miles wide. Its 35,700 surface acres make it Nebraska’s largest reservoir with over 100 miles of shoreline. The dam is among the largest of its types in the world and the fish grow to trophy-size proportions, accounting for several state records. Camping facilities are available.

308-632-7004

Located 10 miles south of Gering, Buffalo Creek WMA is part of the Wildcat Hills ecosystem and encompasses approximately 4,300 acres. Numerous game animals call it home including deer, elk, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and mourning dove. Public access is allowed by foot only for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, photography, and bird watching.

308-632-7004

Cedar Canyon Wildlife Management Area is located southwest of Gering, NE, just four miles west of Hwy 71 on Carter Canyon Rd, then 1.5 miles south on county road 17 and one mile west to the parking area. The area is approximately 2,225 acres of pine and juniper covered escarpments, meadows, canyons, and wooded draws. Mule deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, and numerous other game and nongame species are frequently seen in the management area.

308-436-3777

Located 10 miles south of Gering, NE, adjacent to the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, the 230-acre WMA consists of 40 acres of crops and 92 acres of pasture. An array of wildlife — including an occasional moose — has room to roam at Wildcat Hills among the mix of evergreens, grasses, spring wildflowers, and the rare-to-Nebraska shrub mountain mahogany.

888-632-7004

Located 2.5 miles south of Morrill, NE, the Kiowa Wetlands WMA provides hunting opportunities for dove, pheasant, rabbit, and waterfowl on 263 acres of crops, 22 acres of pasture, and 220 acres of marsh.

402-471-0641

Nine Mile Creek WMA is located three miles east and 5.5 miles north of Minatare. The area consists of 178 acres of grasslands plus a trout stream. Hunting opportunities are available for deer, dove, pheasant, and rabbit.

308-436-2046

Gering, NE (Located at the base of the Scotts Bluff National Monument)

Open year-round, there are 42 full hook-up sites, tent sites, and a multi-purpose building that can be rented by the public. Amenities include restrooms, a sanitary dump station, electricity hook-ups, and paved parking and patios on many sites.

308-631-1464 

1600 S. Beltline Hwy West, Scottsbluff, NE

Riverside Campground is located in Riverside Park with amazing views of Scotts Bluff National Monument. The campground has 43 pull-through sites and 20 tent sites. Campsite options include full-hookup, water and electric, or primitive. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. Other amenities at Riverside Campground are free Wi-Fi and a bathhouse. Nearby in Riverside Park are playgrounds, a disc golf course, a dog park, and fishing ponds. Campers can also explore the Riverside Discovery Center Zoo and walk along the Monument Valley Pathway.

308-635-3760

180454 Hwy 26, Scottsbluff, NE

Route 26 Campground is located on US Highway 26 between Scottsbluff and
Mitchell. There are 30 camping spots with electrical hookups available for rent year-round.

308-623-1828

130625 County Road E, Mitchell, NE

Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds is host to 60-plus electrical sites. Each site does not have water, but water is available to fill. There is also a dump site. Horse stall rentals are available.

308-635-2277

255 Clubhouse Drive, Gering, NE

Monument Shadows features an 18-hole championship public golf course providing a satisfying and challenging round of golf for all abilities. The scenic beauty is second to none sitting at the base of the Scotts Bluff National Monument. The course features beautifully manicured greens, fairways, and roughs with evergreen and deciduous trees throughout. There is a driving range and a restaurant.

308-635-1555

100928 County Rd 19, Scottsbluff, NE

This public 18-hole golf course includes a driving range, chipping green, golf pro lessons, cart and club rentals, a snack bar, and a restaurant. It’s home to Nebraska’s only floating driving range.

308-632-8297

5014 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE

The Scotts Bluff Country Club is a private 18-hole championship course set amongst mature trees, scenic lakes, sand bunkers, and picturesque homes. Four different tee box settings provide distances that range from 5500 yards to 7000 yards to provide a suitable challenge and enjoyable round of golf for all abilities. Amenities include a driving range, pro shop, bar cart, golf simulator, clubhouse, and restaurant.

308-586-1606

445 Main Street, Bayard, NE

Chimney Rock Golf Course is a public 9-hole course offering terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep the course difficult yet friendly. There is also a driving range, pro shop, and restaurant.

308-586-1606

445 Main Street, Bayard, NE

Chimney Rock Golf Course is a public 9-hole course offering terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep the course difficult yet friendly. There is also a driving range, pro shop, and restaurant.

308-262-9925

8565 Highway 88, Bridgeport, NE

Lying in the shadows of Court House and Jail Rock, this beautifully maintained 9-hole public course delivers an excellent day of golf for players of all ages.

308-630-6240

1936 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE

This family-friendly waterpark has two giant water slides and concessions. It is also available for parties.

308-635-2318

22 S Beltline E, Scottsbluff, NE

The YMCA pool is conveniently located between Scottsbluff and Gering. It offers a large indoor lap pool, a therapeutic pool, and a hot tub. Aquatic exercise classes and swimming lessons are also offered.

308-436-5096

905 13th St., Gering, NE

Gering’s swimming pool includes a large water slide, two tube slides, a diving board, and a baby pool. Located next to Oregon Trail Park, it’s a hub of activity in the summer months with swimming lessons, private parties, family hour, and open swimming.

308-633-3890

615 S Beltline Hwy E c, Scottsbluff, NE

This locally-owned 24/7 access club, offers tanning and a wide variety of equipment, such as cardio, machine, plate loaded, and a free weight area.

308-633-1000

1700 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE

This center offers a total fitness experience designed around your abilities, your body, and your goals.

308-635-8422

116 Terry Blvd, Terrytown, NE

The Terry and Hazeldeane Carpenter Intergenerational Center is a recreational and educational facility whose primary service area is Scotts Bluff County and its surrounding communities. The Center offers its programs primarily but not exclusively, to parents, children, and the elderly who lack the financial resources to access existing educational and recreational opportunities.

308-633-1383

820 W 42nd St suite 1700, Scottsbluff, NE

Elite Total Fitness is designed for all ages and fitness levels. They have programs and activities to lift your spirits, change your life. and do good things for your body, including massage therapy.

308-635-2318

22 South Beltline Hwy East, Scottsbluff, NE

The Scottsbluff YMCA is conveniently located between Scottsbluff and Gering, near the Monument Valley Pathways walk/bike trail and the North Platte River. It has many different programs for all ages, a climbing wall, speed bikes, training equipment, handball facilities, an indoor swimming pool, and a therapeutic pool. Rated as one of the top three YMCAs in the state, it has an expanded daycare facility.

308-635-1177

422 Ave B, Scottsbluff, NE 

Serves both residential and commercial health enthusiasts with all the amenities required for achieving individual health goals.

800-348-4435

1601 E 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE

WNCC is home to women’s volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer and men’s basketball,
baseball and soccer. Show your support for the Cougars!

308-633-2255

Oregon Trail Park Stadium, 1215 J St, Gering, NE 

The Western Nebraska Pioneers is a collegiate summer league team playing at Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering. The Pioneers offer affordable family fun all summer long.

308-279-2625

260263 highway 92, Gering, NE

Highway 92 Raceway — Nebraska’s original oval asphalt raceway — has offered Friday night races all summer long since 1968.

308-631-1464 

Riverside Campground, 1514 S. Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE

This course provides a great disc golf atmosphere along the North Platte River with a great view of Scottsbluff National Monument.

308-632-5996

775 Crescent Drive, Gering, NE

Zwetzig Skate & Bounce is a family-owned business offering skating and bouncing options within the Nebraska Panhandle community that is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for open skating and birthday parties. There’s an arcade and inflatable rentals. Scooters and ride-ons are available for children not enamored with skating.

308-630-6326

1600 South Beltline West, Scottsbluff, NE

Known as the “Best Little Zoo in the West!” Riverside Zoo houses about 250 animals representing more than 70 species. They have a petting area, a playground for children, an area for birthday parties, and offer educational programs and several community events throughout the year including their annual “Spooktacular” during Halloween week!

308-633-2723

1346 10th Street, Gering, NE

Sure Shot Gun Range is the only indoor gun range in the Gering and Scottsbluff area. At Sure Shot, they focus on gun safety, offering gun and shooter safety help from their experienced range officers.